Math Problem Statement

¿Para qué valores de x, la gráfica de f(x) = (2x^3)/3 - 4x^2 + 8 tiene una tangente horizontal?

Solution

The problem asks for the values of xx at which the graph of the function:

f(x)=2x334x2+8f(x) = \frac{2x^3}{3} - 4x^2 + 8

has a horizontal tangent. To solve this, we need to find when the derivative f(x)f'(x) is equal to zero, since a horizontal tangent occurs where the slope of the function is zero.

Step 1: Differentiate the function

Let's first calculate the derivative of f(x)f(x):

f(x)=2x334x2+8f(x) = \frac{2x^3}{3} - 4x^2 + 8

Using basic differentiation rules:

f(x)=ddx(2x33)ddx(4x2)f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx} \left( \frac{2x^3}{3} \right) - \frac{d}{dx} \left( 4x^2 \right)

f(x)=2x28xf'(x) = 2x^2 - 8x

Step 2: Set the derivative equal to zero

To find when the tangent is horizontal, we solve:

2x28x=02x^2 - 8x = 0

Factor the equation:

2x(x4)=02x(x - 4) = 0

This gives us two solutions:

x=0orx=4x = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad x = 4

Step 3: Conclusion

The function has horizontal tangents at x=0x = 0 and x=4x = 4. Therefore, the correct answer is:

Para x=0 y x=4\boxed{\text{Para } x = 0 \text{ y } x = 4}

This corresponds to the second option in the given choices.


Would you like more details on this solution, or do you have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What is the geometric interpretation of a horizontal tangent line?
  2. How do we identify critical points of a function using its derivative?
  3. What does the second derivative tell us about the concavity of a function at these points?
  4. How does the behavior of the function change at x=0x = 0 and x=4x = 4?
  5. Can a function have more than one horizontal tangent in the same interval?

Tip: Always remember that horizontal tangents occur where the derivative equals zero.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Critical Points
Polynomials

Formulas

Derivative of a polynomial function
Setting f'(x) = 0 to find critical points

Theorems

Conditions for horizontal tangents (where f'(x) = 0)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12